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XY1HT MYANMAR

by Ray Gerrard HS0/G3NOM
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
EMail: tayno@ibm.net
Mail: PO BOX 1300/NANA, Bangkok, 10112, Thailand

The first operation of XY1HT as a demonstration station took place in September 1994. 13 CW/SSB QSOs, and 4 SSTV QSOs were made. This marked the first legalised operation of amateur radio from the Union of Myanmar since its formation. The second demonstration took place in July/August 1995. This achieved 300 QSOs (mainly CW/SSB with a few RTTY and SSTV)

The third operation of XY1HT, from Yangon, Myanmar, covered a ten day period from 20th to 29th October 1995. Ten thousand QSOs were made on the 3.5, 7, 10.1, 14, 18, 21, 24.9, 28, 29, and 435/145 (Satellite) bands. Modes used, were: CW, SSB, 29 MHz FM, Satellite AO10B, AO13B, RTTY, SSTV. Transmissions were made on the 1.8 MHz band, and signals were heard in Europe, and Japan, but due to a high local noise level, no signals could be heard in Yangon. Therefore, no QSOs materialised on this band.

Operators were G3NOM, JA1UT, JA1UPA, JA8CDG, JA8RUZ, JO3XEQ, JO3XER, JS1QHO, LA7JO, 9M2BZ. Continuous supervision, and assistance was given by Myanmar Government officers. For the first five days, Ray G3NOM, and Stig LA7JO, set up and operated in advance of the main party. Two stations were set-up in a government building, using arrays of dipole and loop wire antennas on the roof. Ray, and Stig operated both stations simultaneously from midday through to dawn on each day . At dawn a bicycle rickshaw took the operators to a nearby hotel for sleep, (between telephone, and fax calls - HI)

Until the 24th October 95, all operation was on SSB at the request of the authorities. This was a heavy limitation for two dedicated CW operators HI. Also, a high noise level was experienced on all bands, in this city centre location.

The main party arrived on the 25th October bringing extra modes, rigs, and antennas. A most successful feature was the satellite operation by Tanuma San JA8CDG on AO10B/AO13B. 29 MHz FM enthusiasts were delighted by JO3XEQ, and JO3XER, special attention to that mode. Toshi JA8RUZ served up some RTTY QSOs for the specialists. As a finale, XY1HT took part in the CQ WW SSB contest.

Several thousand QSL cards were received at PO Box 1300 NANA, Bangkok, Thailand, 10112, with no evidence of problems, or complaints of losses. (yet HI)

It was agreed with the authorities in Yangon, that the QSL cards would be printed in Japan by the DX Pedition team, and would carry official logos depicting "Visit Myanmar Year 1996". This took some time for JO3XEQ, and JO3XER to ensure the accuracy of the Myanmar Government logos (these cards incidentally were donated by JO3XEQ and Co). It was also agreed to include official brochures giving information about the country.

The QSL cards, and Myanmar Government brochures were eventually received in Bangkok by 12th February 1996. Since then, replies were steadily sent out by HS0/G3NOM, and E21UHL.

To avoid delays and unreasonable expense, the country information brochures were only inserted in envelopes if they could be sent securely at Printed Paper Rate. The precise method of mailing (with a degree of security) was suggested by JA1UT, and approved by the Local Postmaster of the Thailand Postal Service. If any station experienced problems please let us know. Also, if anyone who did not receive a brochure and would like to do so, please contact the QSL manager, with one SASE + 1 IRC ( the brochures are 25cm x 10cm, and can be folded to 12.5 x 10cm)

All cards received up to the end of April 96 that included return postage have been dealt with. Those that did not include postage, are being sent via the Thailand bureau. Stations wishing to send cards via the bureau may do so via The QSL Manager G3NOM or G0CMM. The QSL address for direct cards is PO Box 1300/NANA, Bangkok, 10112, Thailand.

Delay in replying to some cards has been caused by the following -
In some cases, a group of stations have shared a single envelope. An error has occurred affecting one station only and therefore the rest have been held up pending further investigation. In other cases, it may have been one mode or band from a bunch which was in question, and delaying completion of the check. Other examples, are stations, who included QSLs for other operations (XZ1A), In the worst cases, it was simply "NIL" (Not In the Log!). The delay was due to leaving the investigation of "errors" until the end. These points are mentioned, not as complaints, but just to illustrate how they have been dealt with.

There were many "Insurance QSOs" in the log, despite computer "dupe calls". Many second and third QSOs were stopped on the air by advising the calling station that they were already in the log. Some clever people seem to have found a way round this barrier - HI.

An interesting and inevitable feature of this operation was that, due to operating so many mode/band combinations, the majority of QSL requests were for multi-band/mode contacts. There were 24 possible combinations, and the leader from Japan was JA8EVL with 16 combinations. From Europe OH8SR clocked 13....Congratulations to all stations who managed to cover so many modes, and bands. It has been pleasure to QSL these contacts.

A number of SWL Reports was received, and in each case, the QSOs reported were verified in the log. These reports were appreciated, since they can help to verify a disputed contact. The computer log system used was TURBOLOG by G3WGV.

Many thanks to all stations for the QSOs, QSLs, very kind donations, and support. Commiserations to those who did not get through the QRM, hopefully there will be a chance again. Negotiations are underway, for similar operations from Pagan, and Mandalay using the call-signs, XY2HT, and XY3HT.

BAND      #
MHZ       QSOs
3.5       705
7         1377
10.1      642
14        2377 
18        770
21        3007
24.9      60
28/29     964
432/145   185  (Satellite AO10/AO15 Mode B Operations)
TOTAL     10087

TABLE 2 - Mode/QSO Breakdown

MODES     # QSOs
HF SSB    7945
HF CW     1853
SSTV      4
FM        64
SAT CW    112
SAT SSB   73
RTTY      36
TOTAL     10087

TABLE 3 Mode/Band Combination List

1.8  CW
1.8  SSB
3.5  CW
3.5  SSB
7    CW
7    SSB
10   CW
14   CW
14   RTTY
14   SSB
14   SSTV
18   CW
18   SSB
21   CW
21   SSB
24   CW
24   SSB
28   CW
28   SSB
29   FM
432/145   AO10B     CW
432/145   AO13B     CW
432/145   AO10B     SSB
432/145   AO13B     SSB

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